The present disclosure includes systems, devices, and methods for operating a battery. The battery includes a power unit having a first electrode coupled to a first current collector and a second electrode. The first current collector is coupled to a first conductive member. The battery further includes a separator having a first portion interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and a second portion positioned between the second electrode and the first conductive member. In some aspects, the second portion of the separator is configured to break responsive to receipt of a force to the battery to discharge the power unit safely without thermal runaway and catastrophic damage.